Jack Pierce - Merriconeag Waldorf
Sophomore year at regionals I toed the line at Twinbrook for the regional race hoping to run around 17:30. It was a little wet out, and I didn’t expect the course to be very fast, so I was shooting for just over my PR. Not only did I hit a PR, but I clocked a 16:47, breaking 17 for the first time. I finished with an excellent sprint by my standards. I view that race as the one that I have dug the deepest to date.
Out of all of your high school accomplishments, which stands out the most?
In the fall of 2012 I won the class C title, breaking 16 minutes for the first time with a 15:57. It was a great day at Belfast; the perfect way to finish off senior year.
If you could do it all over again what would you change about your running career in high school?
I would learn to run with more of a midfoot strike and less of a heel strike. I would incorporate more minimalist shoes, and try for a more natural style of running.
What were the most difficult obstacles you had to overcome?
It is easy to go out and run your hardest every day. The hard part of running is moderating yourself; toeing the gray line of injury and 
What will you miss the most?
The local competition. Most of my competitors have been sports-man like and respectful, and many of them have even become my training partners.
What advice you would give to younger athletes?
Don’t just run. Read books about running, watch youtube videos of Kenyans, talk running with as many people as you can as often as you can, and learn as much you can from others.
What influence has your coach had with respect to your performance and overall life goals?
I would have had no idea what to do without my coaches. They have been supportive and knowledgeable every step of the way, and I can’t thank them enough. They have shown me what it is like to be a lifelong runner, and I will largely because of them I will continue to run throughout my life, body permitting.
What are your college plans?
I will be attending Hamilton College next year, hopefully running all three seasons.
Who would you like to say thank you to?
My coaches, my parents, and my school, Merriconeag Waldorf School. The three of them created the best environment possible for my success.
Personal Bests
-
Three Mile Run 16:00.00
-
5,000 Meter Run 15:57.41